WO2016139510A1

WO2016139510A1 - The photon pod relates to a floor panel housing unit with added multimedia functions designed for an electric scooter.

Info

Publication number: WO2016139510A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/051592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aldo Baiocchi
Original assignee: Daymak Inc.
Priority date: 2015-03-05
Filing date: 2015-03-05
Publication date: 2016-09-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power management system with multimedia functions for a portable, foldable, light electric scooter called the Photon Pod. This pod features a solar panel, power converter, USB / SD/ MP3 device, waterproof speakers, digital clock / alarm / radio, controller and wireless receivers. This Pod invention, when combined with a motor and battery creates an electric scooter that continuously charges and stores electric energy when exposed to direct and ambient sunlight. This stored energy can be used to operate the motor and or charge mobile electronic devices via the USB port.

Description

TITLE

[001] The Photon Pod relates to a floor panel housing unit with added multimedia functions designed for an electric scooter.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The Photon Pod is a floor panel housing unit for an electric scooter comprised of a solar panel, a battery pack, a controller, a power output converter, a digital alarm clock with FM radio, a USB / SD / MP3 player hub, and waterproof speakers.

BACKGROUND ART

[003] Electric kick scooters in the present market are designed for kids. These electric kick scooters provide an alternative means of transport only for short distances, and are generally disregarded as a practical mode for transportation. Electric kick scooters marketed as toys cannot support the weight of an adult, and their short battery life make them impractical for travelling longer distances. Presently, electric kick scooters for children can have a range of up to 15 kilometers given ideal terrain conditions and maximum load capacities, and charge times can vary depending on battery type. The Photon Pod provides a self-charging system to address battery limitations while striving to appeal to a wider target audience through the inclusion of multimedia features and the capability to charge electronic mobile devices.

[004] In order to appeal to consumers of all ages while addressing the issues of conventional electric kick scooters, the Photon Pod introduces a proprietary floor panel unit designed to support heavier loads, implements a solar panel to trickle charge and lengthen battery life, and also incorporates various multimedia functions to provide fun features for the rider. A digital alarm clock with a radio, and also a USB / SD / MP3 player enable the rider to enjoy tunes while commuting, with the added feature to charge electric mobile devices via the USB port.

[005] As technologies for electric bikes, scooters, and kick scooters become cheaper and readily accessible, the market will become saturated with products that provide appealing, alternative modes of transportation. Electric kick scooters are primarily viable only for short distances, given their battery, load and motor limitations that compromise power and range in favour of maintaining a compact size. The Photon Pod addresses these issues by providing a self- sustaining means of trickle charging the battery, while including other features not presently seen in electric kick scooters in the market. DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[006] With reference to figures 1-5, the Photon Pod comprises of a proprietary floor housing panel that encases the poly crystalline solar panel, power output converter, and USB / SD / MP3 player. The orthographic view (FIG. 1) illustrates all visible elements on the floor housing unit from a top view. A recessed groove ensures the polycrystalline solar panel (FIG 1, 01) is secured flush on floor housing unit. Similarly, a recessed slot positions the digital clock / alarm / radio (FIG 1, 03). Waterproof speakers (FIG 1, 02) are tucked inside the floor panel housing unit and are facing upwards towards the rider.

[007] The underside view (FIG. 2) shows how the waterproof speakers (FIG 2, 02), digital clock / alarm / radio (FIG 2, 03), power output converter (FIG 2, 04), and USB / SD / MP3 player (FIG 2, 05) are laid out beneath the floor panel housing unit. Extruded ribs from the top surface of the floor panel housing unit cradle and reinforce the previously mentioned components - ensuring exterior shock is absorbed and dissipated accordingly. Strategically placed lateral cuts along the extruded ribs allow wiring connectivity to remain unobstructed while maintaining structural integrity.

[008] The side view (FIG. 3) further illustrates how the waterproof speakers (FIG 3, 02), polycrystalline solar panel (FIG 3, 01), power output converter (FIG 3, 04) and USB / SD / MP3 player (FIG 3, 05) contextually relate to the battery pack (FIG 3, 06), controller (FIG 3, 07), and motor (FIG 3, 08), which would be covered by the floor panel housing unit, but encased within the metallic frame body of the electric scooter (not shown). While the floor panel housing unit covers the metallic frame body of the electric scooter, the battery pack (FIG 3, 06), controller (FIG 3, 07), and motor (FIG 3, 08) still need to be encased as part of the metallic frame body. The extruded ribs terminate where the metallic frame body of the electric scooter begins.

[009] Multimedia functions, e.g. input and output ports are installed near the rear wheel as seen in the rear view detail (FIG. 4). The circuit boards are housed in the USB / SD / MP3 player hub (FIG 4, 05). As such, the ports for the USB and SD are located on said housing (FIG 4, 05). For added functionality, the remote key (FIG 4, 09) can be used to wirelessly relay signals to the receivers within the circuit boards to trigger specific functions.

[010] As represented in the block diagram (FIG. 5), all electrical functions are governed by the controller (FIG 5, 07)), which is housed under the floor panel housing unit and cradled by the metallic frame. When power is activated, signals are relayed from the on/off switch (FIG 5, 12) located on the metallic frame, to the controller (FIG 5, 07). From hence forward, the throttle (FIG 5, 10), brakes (FIG 5, 11) are enabled for operation. Both the throttle (FIG 5, 10) and brakes (FIG 5, 11) send signals to the controller (FIG 5, 07), which relays signals to activate the motor (FIG 5, 08). For the multimedia functions, specifically the digital clock / alarm / radio (FIG 5, 03) and USB / SD / MP3 player (FIG 5, 05), all relays go through a power output converter (FIG 5, 04) before travelling to the controller (FIG 5, 07). Lastly, the polycrystalline solar panel (FIG 5, 01) redirects power output towards the battery pack (FIG 5, 06), which then redirects power output to the controller (FIG 5, 07).

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The Photon Pod is further explained by the accompanying illustrations, but is not limited to what may or may not be included in the drawings, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an orthographic view of the Photon Pod showing exterior components on the top side of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an underside view of the Photon Pod that illustrates how electrical components are laid out relative to the floor panel housing unit;

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the Photon Pod to further illustrate the relationship between electrical components housed in the floor panel unit and the accompanying components present in the electric scooter

FIGURE 4 is a rear view of the Photon Pod that shows how the wireless remote key relates to the USB / SD / MP3 player

FIGURE 5 - is a block diagram that represents all electrical components and their connectivity.

01 - polycrystalline solar panel

02 - waterproof speaker

03 - alarm / clock / radio

04 - converter

05 - USB / SD / MP3 player

06 - battery pack

07 - controller - motor

- remote key for USB / SD / MP3 - throttle

- brake

- on/off switch

Claims

CLAIMS CLAIMS The claims of the Photon Pod are defined by the following:

1. A floor panel housing unit for an electric kick scooter with the following properties:

an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) structure reinforced with ribs, contains recessed niches for the solar panel, controller, power output converter, USB / SD / MP3 player, digital clock / alarm / radio, and speakers.

2. Said solar panel in claim 1 wherein:

is mounted on tempered glass on the floor panel housing unit,

trickle charges the battery pack that powers the electric scooter

3. Said battery pack in claim 2 is connected to the controller that governs primary electrical functions of the electric scooter as well as secondary functions, such as the digital clock / alarm / radio, and the USB / SD / MP3 device.

4. Said controller in claim 3 is connected to a 24V to 12V converter, wherein:

power output from the controller in claim 3 is converted from 24V to 12V, output signals are relayed to the digital clock / alarm / radio, and USB / SD / MP3 player

5. Said USB / SD / MP3 device in claim 4 is connected to the controller, wherein:

one SD port that acts as an input and reads SD cards,

one USB port that acts as an input for MP3 devices, and also as a power source to charge electronic mobile devices.

6. Said digital clock / alarm / radio in claim 4 is connected to the waterproof speakers.